A Note for the Caregiver Reading This Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home is more manageable with three things: a steady daily routine, calm and simple communication, and real support so you aren’t carrying it alone. Adult day services like Friends Place Adult Day Services give your loved one meaningful,…
DetailsMost families don’t find out about adult activity centers at a relaxed moment, sitting down to research care options with a clear head and plenty of time. They find out when they’re already stretched. When the nights are interrupted and the days are consumed by caregiving responsibilities, something has to give. If that’s where you…
DetailsBegin the day with a thankful heart. It sounds trite and almost impossible if you are caring for a loved-one with Alzheimer’s /dementia. We see this saying on signs, refrigerator magnets and almost everywhere these days. Gratitude is a crucial key to keeping a caregiver’s life in balance. In fact, numerous studies have shown a…
DetailsIn the beginning, caring for a loved one with dementia is seemingly a good idea and the right thing to do. It is certainly something we think we can handle on our own. Caregivers are devoted and determined. Our life is now different than before this disease, but we adjust. Even when we don’t really…
DetailsWhile caregivers all have good intentions, we sometimes find ourselves listening only half-heartedly. All too often we’re doing a hundred other things, or our mind is elsewhere when we should be actively listening. We hear what a loved one is saying but are not consciously listening with the purpose of understanding. Be authentically interested. Actively…
DetailsWhen someone has never been to a caregiver’s support group meeting, the notion of attending can be a bit daunting. The misconception and thought of having to bare your soul and shortcomings in a room filled with strangers is not something that anyone in their right mind would look forward to doing. But the reality…
DetailsCaregiver Corner by Pam Johnson In the world of dementia, there is always a dilemma when it comes to telling lies vs being honest. Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Is honesty really the best policy when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia? These might seem to be easy questions but not…
DetailsCaregiver’s Corner by Pam Johnson Who has not experienced the power of music and marveled at its ability to bring joy, ease pain and elevate our mood. Often when we hear a song, it is so much more than words and lyrics. It becomes the link to one of our special memories of a wonderful…
DetailsWIth the holidays fast approaching, please find our tips for the holidays from our post last year: Caregiver’s Corner: Prepare for the Holidays with New Traditions
DetailsMindfulness and meditation are two effective techniques for reducing stress associated with caring for a loved-one with dementia. Although each of these are shown to be effective stress-reducing activities, UCLA researchers found even greater health benefits to caregivers when these two skills are combined. Various studies indicate that practicing mindful meditation improves both emotional and…
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